House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik and Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg have initiated an investigation into Harvard University’s hiring practices. The investigation centers on allegations that the university may be engaging in discriminatory employment practices, potentially violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Harvard’s “Best Practices for Conducting Faculty Searches” document, copyrighted in 2023 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College, suggests that administrators should ensure women and minorities are included early in applicant pools. This practice has raised concerns about possible unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in hiring decisions.
“The Committee on Education and Workforce (Committee) is investigating and gathering information about discrimination in hiring and employment,” wrote the lawmakers. They expressed concern over reports suggesting Harvard might be discriminating based on these criteria. These concerns follow a Supreme Court decision where Harvard was found to have discriminated in student admissions based on race.
The lawmakers highlighted several documents indicating potential ongoing discrimination at Harvard. They noted that since 2021, job interviewers at Harvard received “Diversity-Related Sample Interview Questions” to assess candidates’ commitment to diversity.
Additionally, Andrea R. Lucas, Acting Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), filed a charge alleging violations of Title VII by Harvard. The charge points to programs like Harvard Medical School’s STARS Program and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Program as examples of potentially discriminatory practices.
The committee emphasized its jurisdiction over labor issues under House Rule X and stated that responses from Harvard could assist Congress in evaluating legislative needs related to employment laws.
“If you have any questions about this request, please contact Committee staff at 202-225-4527,” concluded the lawmakers.
For further details, read the full letter linked here: [Permalink](https://stefanik.house.gov/2025/6/stefanik-walberg-launch-oversight-investigation-into-harvard-university-s-alleged-discriminatory-hiring-practices).
